JEDDAH — In a captivating clash during the 26th round of the Saudi Professional League, Al-Ahli emerged victorious against their local rivals Al-Ittihad, thanks to a solitary goal netted by the young talent Firas Al-Buraikan in the opening half.
This crucial win has solidified Al-Ahli's grip on the league's third spot, amassing 51 points and extending their lead over Al-Ittihad, who remain in fourth place with 46 points after their defeat.
The King Abdullah Sports City Stadium was a bustling spectacle, drawing 50,633 enthusiastic fans from both camps. The match kicked off amidst a vibrant atmosphere, albeit slightly delayed due to colored smoke obstructing the view at the stadium.
Al-Ahli, boosted by the return of Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and Ivorian midfielder Kessie, launched relentless attacking maneuvers from the outset. Conversely, Al-Ittihad felt the absence of key players, with young talent Farha Al-Shamrani stepping into midfield to cover for Faisal Al-Ghamdi, who was away on Saudi Olympic team duty.
The game witnessed an intense back-and-forth, with Al-Ittihad's Brazilian standout Romarinho coming close to finding the net, met by a robust response from Al-Ahli's Al-Buraikan, who narrowly missed a close-range opportunity.
The breakthrough moment arrived in the 34th minute as Al-Buraikan adeptly converted a cross from Brazilian maestro Roberto Firmino, slotting the ball past Al-Ittihad's goalkeeper Abdullah Al-Mayouf for the lone goal of the encounter.
Before halftime, Al-Mayouf made a vital save against a fierce strike from Al-Ahli's Allan Saint-Maximin. The second half saw Al-Ahli maintaining their offensive onslaught, seeking to double their lead.
Al-Ittihad's Hassan Kadish posed a threat with a header, but Mendy's goalkeeping prowess denied any equalizers. A near-miss from Al-Ittihad's N'Golo Kanté rattled the woodwork in the 72nd minute, preserving Al-Ahli's advantage.
In the dying minutes, Al-Ittihad intensified their attacks, with Karim Benzema's header excellently parried by Mendy in the 76th minute. A potential second goal from Firmino was disallowed for offside, adding to the drama.
The game concluded with a late header from Kanté, but once again, Mendy showcased his class with a crucial save, securing Al-Ahli's triumph in the pulsating Jeddah derby.
